In the last year, the civilian noninstitutional population rose by 3,733,000.
Yet the labor force only rose by 1,354,000.

Those "not" in the labor force rose by 2,380,000 to 88,883,000.

The massive rise of those "not" in the labor force is primarily economic
weakness, not demographics.

Actually, older workers are returning to the work force because they cannot
afford retirement. One look at the average age of Walmart greeters and those
working in fast food restaurants tells a story itself.

Flashback May, 1 2008

Ironically, older part-time workers remaining in or reentering the labor
force will be cheaper to hire in many cases than younger workers. The reason
is Boomers 65 and older will be covered by Medicare (as long as it lasts)
and will not require as many benefits as will younger workers, especially
those with families. In effect, Boomers will be competing with their children
and grandchildren for jobs that in many cases do not pay living wages.